Thailand Safety Tips: What Every Traveller Should Know

Most visits to Thailand pass without any trouble, and serious crime against tourists is relatively rare. The problems travellers do run into tend to involve petty theft, scams, road accidents or the sea, and a little awareness goes a long way.

General safety

• Carry your phone and bag on the side away from traffic; bag snatching by passing motorbike riders happens in busy areas.
• Keep your passport in the hotel safe and a photo of it on your phone.
• Watch your drink in bars and at beach parties, and never leave it unattended.
• Agree prices before tuk-tuk rides, boat trips or massages to avoid disputes later.
• Stay calm in any disagreement; confrontation rarely ends well and can escalate quickly.

Scams to watch for

• "It's closed today": a friendly stranger near the Grand Palace or another landmark says it is shut and offers a tuk-tuk tour instead, which ends at gem or tailor shops. Check the information yourself and walk on.
• Gem and investment pitches: no genuine seller will offer you stones to resell at a profit back home.
• Unmetered taxis: drivers waiting in tourist areas quote a flat fare; insist on the meter or use a ride app.
• Rental damage claims: some jet-ski and scooter operators blame customers for existing scratches. Photograph and film the vehicle before you ride, and never hand over your passport as a deposit.
• Card skimming: use ATMs inside banks or shopping centres where possible.

Road and water safety

Road accidents are the biggest risk for visitors. If you ride a scooter, wear a helmet, ride sober and only if you are experienced; many travel insurance policies won't pay out without the right licence. As a pedestrian, look both ways even on one-way streets, and don't assume vehicles will stop at crossings.

At the beach, respect red flags. During the monsoon, strong currents are common off Andaman beaches such as those on Phuket, and lifeguards are not present everywhere. On boat trips, wear a life jacket and avoid boats that look overloaded.

Health basics

Heat and sun cause most minor problems: drink plenty of water, use high-factor sunscreen and slow down during the hottest part of the day. Use insect repellent, especially around dawn and dusk. Speak to a travel health professional about vaccinations well before your trip, and make sure your travel insurance covers medical care and any activities you plan, such as diving. Pharmacies are easy to find in towns and cities.

Emergency numbers

• 191: police
• 1669: medical emergencies and ambulance
• 1155: Tourist Police, with English-speaking operators
• 199: fire

Save these in your phone, along with your embassy's contact details and your accommodation's address written in Thai.

Areas where extra care helps

Nightlife streets such as Khao San Road in Bangkok, Bangla Road in Patong and the Full Moon Party beach on Koh Phangan are generally fine but attract pickpockets and drink-related incidents late at night, so go with friends and plan how you'll get back. Many governments advise against travel to the far southern provinces bordering Malaysia and urge care in some areas along the Cambodian border, so check your own government's current advice before you go.

Stay connected in Thailand

Mobile data is a quiet safety tool: share your live location with friends on a night out, check the driver and number plate in a ride app, translate a pharmacy label or pull up your hotel's address for a driver. A HelloSIM eSIM installs at home before the trip and connects once you arrive. It is data-only, so keep your own SIM switched on for regular calls, including to emergency numbers.